Press Release
August 1, 2007
2007-2008 Free And Reduced Meal Policy
The Denver Public Schools today announced its policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free and reduced price meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Local school officials will use the following size and income criteria for determining eligibility.
| Family Size | Free Meals Yearly | Reduced Price Meals Yearly |
| 1 | $13,237 | $18,889 |
| 2 | $17,797 | $25,327 |
| 3 | $22,321 | $31,765 |
| 4 | $26,845 | $38,203 |
| 5 | $31,369 | $44,641 |
| 6 | $35,893 | $51,079 |
| 7 | $40,417 | $57,517 |
| 8 | $44,941 | $63,955 |
| For each additional family member add: | $4,524 | $6,438 |
Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals.
Application forms are being sent to all homes with a letter to parents. Additional copies are available at the principal's office in each school. The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility and verifying data. Applications from families receiving food stamps need only to list the children's names, respective food stamp case number and the signature of an adult household member.
All other households who would qualify based upon income must show the names of all household members related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends), the amount of gross income each person received last month and source, and the signature of an adult household member and that adult's social security number, or check the box if the adult does not have a social security number. The information on the application may be verified by the school or other program officials at any time during the school year.
In certain cases, foster children are also eligible for these benefits. If a family has foster children living with them and wishes to apply for meals, they should contact the school.
Under the provision of the Policy, Elaine Leggett, Program Specialist will review applications and determine eligibility. If a parent is dissatisfied with the decision, a request may be made to discuss it with the determining official. A formal appeal may be made either orally or in writing to; Leo Lesh, Executive Director, Department of Food and Nutrition, 2320 West 4th Avenue, Denver, CO 80223, 720-423-5600 for a hearing to appeal the decision. The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure.
Applications may be submitted any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now but have a decrease in income, become unemployed, have an increase in family size, or become eligible for food stamp benefits, you may fill out an application at that time.
Each school has a copy of the complete policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 (voice) or (202)720-6382 (TTY) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.